Jose Ernesto Sosa has asked to leave Besiktas amid reported interest from AC Milan, saying he fears for his family in Istanbul.
Milan are reported to be keen on the former Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid midfielder, who was one of the key players in Besiktas' Turkish title-winning season. Their hopes of signing him may now have increased with the player requesting a move.
"I would like to inform everybody about my situation," Sosa wrote on Twitter. "I've asked Besiktas to be allowed to leave. I have done it for personal reasons with my family. My wife is scared of living in Istanbul, in Turkey, and even I am afraid for my children.
"The recent attack on the airport was particularly close to us because my agents arrived only two hours later. After what happened, my family and I have decided to leave Istanbul. I have two children and they are a miracle which I want to protect. My priority is my family, football comes next."
Escribo unas líneas sobre mi situación en @Besiktas / My situation in Besiktas: https://t.co/qcGZwKePow pic.twitter.com/8fnViXzXfd
- Jose Sosa (@josesosaok) July 11, 2016
Living alone in Turkey with his family moving elsewhere is not an option Sosa wishes to consider, which is why he has made his mind up about leaving.
"I'm not talking about renewing or improving my contract with Besiktas," he added. "We are looking for a solution which suits everybody. I've already spoken with the club's bosses and I've asked them if they can help me resolve this situation because I cannot and I do not want to play football away from my family.
"I only feel gratitude towards Besiktas for what they have done for me and my family. We had two exceptional years together, but due to problems which are not down to them, I have made this decision."
Milan are reported to have already made a bid for the 31-year-old, who told Turkish media that joining the Rossoneri is an opportunity he does not want to miss. The two clubs are still quite far apart with their respective valuations, though, and further negotiation is necessary before Sosa can obtain his wish of leaving Turkey for Italy.